Writing to your MP
Writing to your MP is one way you can help raise awareness of SpLD in Maths and Dyscalculia. It helps your MP to represent you in parliament and is relatively quick and easy!
Why is it important to write to your MP?
MPs really care about issues that affect their constituents. Although we send research and policy briefings, they are more likely to pay attention if they hear from the people they represent that this is an issue affecting their lives.
When you share your experience of dyscalculia or maths difficulties and how it has impacted you, your family, or your friends, you are adding your voice to a national campaign to advocate for change.
What can my MP do about dyscalculia and other issues that concern me?
- Raise the issue in parliament, e.g. by asking for a debate or asking a question about the problems you have raised with them (‘Parliamentary Questions’ or PQs)
- Writing to the government minister responsible for the issue or raising it with them
- Spread the word among other MPs
- Check that new policies and laws take the needs of those with dyscalculia into account – and suggest how they might be amended when they don’t
- Take the needs of those with dyscalculia into account when they vote on relevant laws (for instance, reforms to SEND provision or education)
Who is my MP and how do I contact them?
England
You can find your local MP and their contact details here – www.theyworkforyou.com or call the House of Commons Information Office on 020 7219 4272.
Your MP will typically have an office in both your constituency and in Parliament. You can contact them by telephone, email or letter.
The equivalents to Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK’s devolved governments are known by different titles in each nation:
Scotland
In the Scottish Parliament, they are called Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
If you live in Scotland, you can find who your MSP is at https://www.parliament.scot/msps/current-and-previous-msps
Wales
In the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru), they are called Aelodau o’r Senedd (ASs) or in English, Members of the Senedd (MSs).
If you live in Wales, you can find who your MS is at https://senedd.wales/find-a-member-of-the-senedd/
Northern Ireland
In the Northern Ireland Assembly, they are called Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can find who your MS is at https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/your-mlas/locate-your-mla2/
What do I write?
We understand that it might seem overwhelming or even a little daunting to write or contact your MP, but our MPs are there to listen to us, and most importantly, they have the power to change things for people with SpLD in Maths and Dyscalculia.
That is why we have created some template letters to help you write to your MP.
The template letter provides a starting point, but here are our top tips for personalising it to make it more impactful!
Download Editable Letters
Top Tips
Include your name and address
so the MP knows you are in their constituency, and where to send a response.
Make it personal
Personal stories make your letter more memorable, and you want your letter to stand out! If it is your first letter to your MP, start by introducing yourself and then explain why SpLDs in Maths or dyscalculia impacts you, your family or a friend.
Adapt the template
Identikit letters become easy to skim over.
Try to be concise
as MPs get a lot of letters
Email or handwritten
is up to you, but handwritten letters really stand out as we don’t get them often these days! However, including your email address for a response is always a good idea.
Say thank you!
Adding your personal thanks if your MP responds with a helpful and positive response will always be appreciated!
